[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA COMMEMORATING THE 200TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MO BROOKS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2018

  Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
recognize the great City of Florence, Alabama, as it celebrates its 
200th Anniversary. I am honored to serve the people of Florence, which 
is located in Alabama's 5th District.
   By way of background, on March 12, 1818, General John Coffee saw the 
potential for a settlement on the banks of the Tennessee River, and he 
founded Florence, Alabama. General Coffee led the Cypress Land Company, 
and these visionaries established what they envisioned as a bold, new 
prosperous settlement.
   At this time, these founding fathers of Florence commissioned an 
Italian surveyor named Ferdinand Sannoner. In deciding on a name for 
the new settlement, he named it Florence after the beautiful and 
historic city of Florence, Italy.
   Through the years, the city grew steadily and many businesses and 
educational institutions were established in Florence. The city became 
known for having a legacy of industry, music and the arts, education, 
and architecture.
   Today, Florence stands as a testament to the Tennessee Valley's rich 
heritage, and I am proud to celebrate Florence today. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the City of Florence on this 
momentous occasion of its 200th Anniversary and wish the city the best 
for another 200 years.

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